Happy New Year!

As a new year approaches, I always find myself sifting through my mistakes and pitfalls of the year. Then I ask myself, "How can I do better next year?" Good old New Year's resolutions...how many have you kept?

Resolutions kind of remind me of dieting. Why do we always start our diets on Mondays? I guess we each think that we can gorge one more weekend before we change our eating habits. The same is true for the New Year. We all know the areas in which we can improve, but we like to wait until the next year to make the official changes.

I guess it is the procrastination epidemic. Why do something today if we can wait until tomorrow?

I have decided in 2008 to work on the areas in which I procrastinate. My only fear is that I might put those areas off until 2009, once again reciprocating the problem. Can I get a witness?

Let's work together this year to make Christ our focus, and depend on Him for life change. Happy New Year!

Madelynn's first Christmas!

Last Christmas, Madelynn Joy was nothing more than a twinkle in her parent's eyes. This year she is not only here, but she is growing everyday! Her beautiful smile warms my heart when she spots her daddy across the room. Last weekend our sweet little girl cut her first 2 teeth! Barely 4 months old and she already has two sweet bottom teeth starting to poke through her new little baby gums. I was warned they grow up fast...and I guess I am beginning to realize how true that really is! We couldn't get her to smile for her first Christmas picture, but her sweetness still shines through. I guess this year she will be happy to get diapers, baby wipes, and chew toys under the tree and in her stocking, but I know it won't be long before she will ask for an ipod, cell phone, or something else expensive. Thankfully, this Christmas Kelli and I are blessed to have the sweetest and most beautiful baby girl who is content with a bottle and a clean diaper. Merry Christmas!

In Her Daddy's Hands

What is it about a baby's tootsies? Shortly after Madelynn's birth, there had to be a tootsie inspection. I remember thinking, "where did this tiny baby get such big feet?" Then I held her sweet little feet in my hands and realized that this tiny life had been given to Kelli and I to love, guide, and protect. I thought of John chapter 10 where Jesus reminded us that nothing can snatch us out of our heavenly Father's hands. We are safe in the Father's hands. My hope is that Madelynn can always find security, protection, and safety in her daddy's hands.